Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
In the wake of a perfect 5-0 run to open the season, including a 1-0 start to the conference trek, the Bluejay Boys Basketball squad looked to capitalize on their effort in Tuesday’s bout at Wausau-East.
Unfortunately, the guys would find themselves on the receiving end of a Lumberjack onslaught early, as East mounted a considerable 14-point lead at the half. Although the Jays would find a bit of footing in the second, the ‘Jacks would head home with the decisive 71-47 win.
“East did a really good job of taking us out of our flow,” comments first-year court commander Jake Schalow. “Combined with their spacing and shot-making, it put us in a tough spot. East spaces the floor really well, and they have many guys who are capable of shooting from three and spacing the floor. We will need to play better and work on perfecting the little things in order to be more successful in the coming games.”
Junior guard Zach Mootz spearheaded the Bluejay scoring effort with 8 points (3/7 FG, 1/3 3pt, 1/2 FT, 3r, 3a). Chase Bonnell (3/10 FG, 2r, 2a) and Jared Ollhoff (2/3 FG, 2/4 FT, 4r) tied with 6 points while Kade Bonnell finished with 5 points (2/3 FG, r, st) respectively.
MRL: 21 26-47
EST: 35 36-71
Rumble with Everest
The guys would fare a bit better in Friday’s home WVC opener with D.C Everest,
After seizing a commanding 37-24 lead at the half, Everest came back with a furious 33-point scoring effort in the second. Despite the second-half surge, the Jays would manage to hold on to the narrow 59-57 win.
“We built a nice lead and played well in the first half,” Schalow added. “We moved the ball against the zone and knocked down open shots, but I thought we gave up too many offensive rebounds and that was something that allowed Everest to get back in the game.
“We did a great job of taking care of the ball against the zone, and finished with only nine turnovers and 15 assists.”
Amidst the second half shootout, Everest joined their predecessors in being unable to find an answer for corralling Mootz.
Mootz not only drained 25 points but shot well over 50% (9/15 FG, 5/9 3pt, 2/3 FT) and proved to be a force on both sides of the ball (3r, 4a, 2st).
Quinn Steckbauer followed up with 9 points (4/13 FG, 1/4 3pt, 4r, 5a, st) while Jared Ollhoff sank 8 points (3/4 FG, 2/4 FT,4r, a, st) to round out the Bluejay resume on the night.
DCE: 24 33 57
MER: 37 22 59